Parents have to make the health of their children a top priority. There are a number of health issues that new and expecting parents have to consider.
Preparing for the Health Issues You Will Face as a Parent
So, you’re about to become a parent? Congratulations. There’s nothing more rewarding in life than bringing up a child. You get to influence young minds and encourage good behavior. Now that you have someone else to consider, you’ll find that you’re more kind and selfless, too.
But being a parent is a lot of responsibility, and it shouldn’t be treated lightly. There are many things that people don’t tell you about being a parent.
One sad reality is that new babies are prone to a number of health issues. The World Health Organization reports that 2.5 million babies died before turning one month old in 2018 alone. Although the mortality rate is highest in developing countries, babies in the United States and other developed economies are also at very high risk.
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The good news is that these risks can be minimized by taking the right precautions. Here are 4 things you should know before becoming a parent.
Childbirth risks
Childbirth is risky for both mothers and infants. Every year, between 700 and 900 women die from complications during childbirth. The number of infants that die is unfortunately even higher.
While there’s better technology and a greater understanding of childbirth than ever before, there are still risks during childbirth. The mother of the child could have difficulties during labor, and there is still a small chance of maternal death. You also need to be prepared to have a child with health problems or disabilities (see this Waco cerebral palsy lawyer for more info). Being a parent means loving and caring for your child no matter the circumstances. If you aren’t prepared to have a child with additional needs, you may not be ready to be a parent.
Healthy eating
Children love sugar. It’s a simple fact. As a parent, it can be difficult to encourage your children to eat healthily, especially with more problematic marketing and social media. Kids see unhealthy treats wherever they go. However, before you become a parent, you need to know how to encourage a child to eat healthily. They might thank you now when you let them eat all the sugar the corner shop has to offer, but they won’t thank you down the line when they have serious health problems and issues with food. So, be aware that being a parent means encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Discipline
Being a parent isn’t always easy. Sometimes you have to make difficult decisions that your child might not thank you for. Saying no never wins you any popularity contests, but being a yes man isn’t helpful in the long run. Children need some discipline in life, else they won’t grow up to be responsible adults. A child that doesn’t understand the consequences of their actions will grow up be rude and arrogant, and will hurt others in the process. So, before you become a parent, understand how to discipline children and teach them important lessons.
Acceptance
People aren’t predictable. Your child might grow up to be someone very different from you. But being a parent means accepting your child for who they are, no matter their career choices, sexual orientation or political opinions. Before becoming a parent, ask yourself: am I ready to love my child unconditionally? If the answer is yes, then you’re ready to be a parent.
Be Prepared for the Unknown as a Future Parent
All parents are going to face a number of challenges. Fortunately, you will be better equipped to handle them if you take the right precautions listed above.